Inhomogeneous magnetism in single crystalline Sr$_3$CuIrO$_{6+\delta}$: Implications to phase-separation concepts

TL;DR

This study reveals inhomogeneous magnetism with multiple transitions in single crystalline Sr₃CuIrO₆+δ, suggesting phase separation phenomena are more common in chemically uniform insulators than previously thought.

Contribution

It demonstrates inhomogeneous magnetism and multiple magnetic transitions in a homogeneous insulator, supporting the broader applicability of phase separation concepts beyond manganites.

Findings

Multiple magnetic transitions at 5 and 19 K observed

Spin-glass-like magnetic susceptibility behaviour detected

Comparison made with a theoretical model of magnetic phase separation

Abstract

The single crystalline form of an insulator, Sr$_3$CuIrO$_{6+\delta}$, is shown to exhibit unexpectedly more than one magnetic transition (at 5 and 19 K) with spin-glass-like magnetic susceptibility behaviour. On the basis of this finding, viz., inhomogeneous magnetism in a chemically homogeneous material, we propose that the idea of "phase- separation" described for manganites [1] is more widespread in different ways. The observed experimental features enable us to make a comparison with the predictions of a recent toy model [2] on {\it magnetic} phase separation in an insulating environment.